Disclaimer: See initial chapter. But basically I'm borrowing the characters from Rowling.
Progression Harry's POVI've been meeting with Draco for several weeks now… the weather is even turning cold… but I don't tire of his presence. Actually I relish each moment.
He is lounging in that green armchair of his. His head resting on one arm of the chair and his legs flung over the other. He gestures occasionally to make a point in his story. I feel lucky to see him so relaxed… he is usually so reserved. He also looks incredible by firelight.
The flames play upon his features making what typically is handsome into something exquisite. One moment his face is cast in shadows and the next it is given a golden glow by the flames. His hair changes from liquid silver to polished gold. Yet he seems so casually elegant… as if he couldn't be anything but amazing.
He is telling me stories from fifth year. Apparently Umbridge fancied him… He is telling me about an incident where he hid in Snape's potion's storeroom to escape her.
Once again I'm struck by the rare openness of his features. His eyes are warm and dancing for once. Seeing him like this soothes me… if he can be okay so can I.
"Umbridge didn't like me."
"That much was obvious, Potter. You served quite a few detentions with her."
"Unfortunately" I rub my hand out of habit.
Draco grabbed my hand. He holds it to his face and studies it. Oh man… he is going to see the scars… what will he think of me. He turns my hand and traces the words written in faint pink scar tissue. It sends a shiver down my spine.
"She did this… to you?"
I nod my head… my cheeks burn with shame.
"I'll make her pay some day."
He says it with such conviction… I can't help but believe him…
Wait… he just kissed my hand. He looks shocked at himself.
"Well, Potter, I'm off to bed… Sleep well."
He practically runs away. He kissed my hand. It makes me feel so fluffy and light. I don't think I'll have nightmares tonight.
Draco's POVI study my reflection in the mirror. Robes and uniform are neat and pressed. Hair is in place, falling loosely, length to my mid cheek. Skin is smooth… no stubble. An acceptable appearance for a Malfoy.
I descend the stairs from my Prefect chambers. I'm going to meet Pansy in the common room and we'll walk arm in arm to breakfast. In recent weeks I've discovered that I have misjudged Pansy. Her chasing after me was just an act… something I can relate to. Now for the sake of appearance we behave like a couple. But she fancies some Hufflepuff… I shudder at the thought but still a better choice than say a Gryffindor.
Not that I have room to talk.
At breakfast we sit side-by-side eating neatly and elegantly. Witch Weekly declares we are a "Darling and Beautiful Couple" What a joke. I glance over to the Gryffindor Table… Harry isn't down yet… and Weasley is yet to learn table manners.
Pansy and I discuss the Transfiguration assignment.
Ah… the post is here. I don't spot my owl… oh well…
Pansy's got a letter though… it looks a little odd…
No…
Pansy pales a little… and her breathing quickens slightly… she dismisses herself from the table…
No…
I follow her. She is heading towards the loo.
Bloody Hell.
I follow her in and refuse to acknowledge the ghost wailing at me. I take the letter from her. It seems like a normal letter… until you read every third line. Her father expects her to take the Mark in two weeks time.
Like hell…
"Parkinson, We'll discuss this after classes… understand?"
She nods… but is still on the brink of tears…
I pull her into a tight hug and hold her. We stay like this for several moments.
"Come we have Charms. Refresca." I charmed away the redness and puffiness from her eyes. We Slytherins must maintain appearances.
The day drags by slowly. I'm really concerned about Pansy… she doesn't deserve the life of a Death Eater… she is actually a sweet girl… and amazing with Charms and Transfiguration.
Finally its time for dinner. I sit down next to her.
Under my breath I say "Eat quickly, we're going to the Quidditch Pitch."
She nods…
The air is fairly brisk as we walk silently down to the pitch. When we arrive I sit us in the grass next to one of the goal hoops.
"You aren't getting marked, Parkinson."
She snorts. "I don't want to die, Draco."
"You won't have to. Your father was a Slytherin… if you pitch it the right way he'll keep you from getting the Mark."
"Pitch what?"
"Simple say to serve the Dark Lord best you need to stay close to me and you can't do that marked. My belligerence on serving the Dark Lord is already known. Father and Lord V. will want me… willingly or not… but they can't take me by force… yet. So tell your father you plan to monitor me and stay close to me so that when the time comes you can deliver me to my father and the Dark Lord… and we can be married. And remind him that in case things go badly… it would be wise to have a family member that seems uninvolved to bail the others out. He can either make excuses to the Dark Lord or tell him your plan. It doesn't have to happen."
"You think that will work?" I can hear the skepticism in her voice.
"It should and if not I have an alternative plan. Floo call him tomorrow. Okay?" She nods. "Now run back to the castle. I want to stay out her and clear my head."
She pulls me into a tight hug and kisses my cheek. "Thank you, Draco."
I watch as she walks away. Then I turn my gaze heavenward. The stars have always been soothing for me. I remain for another half hour before the chill sends me inside.
I'm halfway to the castle when I feel a heavy hand on my shoulder… I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't even hear the coming… I turn with my wand drawn…
I sigh…
"Vincent, what are you doing out here?"
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"We don't have to accept the Mark… We can say no."
"Yes, Crabbe, we can say no. Listen when you get your letter bring it to me and we can make a plan. Understood?"
He nods… looking unusually pensive. We walk the rest of the way to the Slytherin Common Room in silence.
Fin
A little short I know. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed it. Please review.